Green-Retrofit Alternatives for Older Buildings Gain Momentum

We are big fans of retrofitting older homes and buildings to improve their energy efficiency. A member of the Urban Land Insitute who is working with us on the Go Green, District 18 initiative recently published this article about the rise in popularity of retrofitting.

Sustainable retrofits are everywhere in the news—from the White House considering renovations at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, to the Empire State Building’s $20 million makeover to cut energy costs, to the Willis Tower in Chicago receiving a $350 million overhaul. The term “retrofitting” commonly refers to improvements to an older building, often done to make it more sustainable. According to many bloggers and commentators, we have entered the Golden Age of Retrofitting. This is partly due to the large amount of funds in the federal stimulus package that were allocated to improving building efficiency through retrofit measures, coupled with other factors that are combining to encourage energy efficiency in buildings. Overall, the focus on retrofits is strong currently, and the momentum is likely to continue as the benefits become better known and energy-related cost savings are realized. Read more…